Up until four years ago Jan Valstar and his sons had never been involved in the cultivation of young plants. When circumstances pushed them into this role, they of course had to deal with some bumps in the road before their business took off. It's to the credit of the brothers that the company is growing, according to Jan. Since about three years ago, his son Gert-Jan took the responsibility for sales and managed to achieve good results.
There were many things Gert-Jan and the rest had to get used to. Father Valstar had been a cut flower grower in the Westland for years and even after the move about 10 years ago, that was the most important activity. Here too they concentrated on the production of cut flowers in general and brassicas in particular.
Family business
Stars-Plant is a true family business. Father Valstar sows with one son with the sowing machine. There are two sons who have obtained a truck driving license. They bring the plants to the destination and yet another son takes care of the irrigation. Everything happens under the watchful eye of the Valstar patriarch.
"We started three years ago and the acreage for cultivation was then still a modest 1,000 meters", Jan continues. "There were more and more new customers and we created an interesting company with each other." It's interesting because each plant and flower variety has its own specific cultivation process. Gert-Jan has gained a lot of knowledge through the company, which he can use himself and also can pass on to customers."
Growth
Now those 1,000 meters have become more than 6,000 meters which require a tight schedule. At the beginning of this year, they installed a new cultivation floor, especially suitable for the cultivation of young propagation material. An energy screen was installed in a separate department as well.
Now those 1,000 meters have become more than 6,000 meters which require a tight schedule. At the beginning of this year, they installed a new cultivation floor, especially suitable for the cultivation of young propagation material. An energy screen was installed in a separate department as well.
That it's bustling with activity in Bommelerwaard hasn't gone unnoticed. "We have several clients abroad, who are buying in larger and larger quantities and last year at the Trade Fair someone came to Gert-Jan with an interesting proposal. Soon we will make a trip to discuss business, and there are signs that we are on the right track."
For more information:
Stars-Plant
Maarten van Rossumweg 37
5307 HC Poederoijen
Gert-Jan Valstar
M: +31 (0) 6 47 32 32 39
www.stars-plant.nl
Maarten van Rossumweg 37
5307 HC Poederoijen
Gert-Jan Valstar
M: +31 (0) 6 47 32 32 39
www.stars-plant.nl